What is your relationship to your clothes?

For me, comfort is key; looks are secondary unless I’m going out on a (potentially) hot date or on an interview. L.L. Bean is my dearest companion.

In an ideal world, I would not wear them. Society forces me to.

I see clothes as an inconvenience,. They are utilitarian. They don’t reflect me or my personality.

They cover my back, but I wear the trousers in this relationship.

It depends on the thing. For every day I am not very worried about what I wear. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, you will find me in work out clothes at the grocery store sometimes, because I go from the gym to the market.

For work I tended to be more “uniform” oriented, even though I did not have a uniform. Mind you, I worked in retail for years, Bloomingdale’s, and then for vendors like Calvin Klein, Mondo (men’s designer sportswear). Work I wore simple basic outfits that looked well tailored, but I didn’t worry about getting creative or matching stuff up, mostly everything was solid, and a lot of black.

When I go out for dinner, a special event, or when I need to be taken seriously I do consider what I am wearing. I try to wear something that flatters my figure, does not look worn, and that will stand out as looking “smart” as my grandma would say, which basically means sort of sophisticated and finished.

I definitely am not a clothes horse though. I don’t like to shop all the time, I prefer a few fabulous well made peices to a closet full of junk.

I love clothes and I love shopping. Unfortunately my closet does not runneth over and I don’t buy as many clothes as I used to. Those pesky bills always seen to get in my way!

I used to be a clothes hound, or at least strove to be one. I loved spending money on expensive clothes and was especially addicted to the Polo department. Nonetheless, I never had much confidence in my ability to buy and wear clothes in which I looked best and most appropriate in, especially for dressy situations.

For much of my career, I lived in very hot climates where casual clothing was popular, and I worked in positions that did not require what used to be called “business dress.” So over time my wardrobe became increasingly casual and simple.

A few years ago I realized how little I had grown to care about clothes when I stopped buying my favorite single piece of clothing: Polo shirts. I still occasionally visit that department and reach to buy one or some other Lauren item, the style and color of which I still love, but the price tags, which seem to have outpaced the natural debt, are enough to stop me from pulling out my credit card. Also, I find myself wearing clothes I wouldn’t have once been caught in, including shorts, t-shirts and sandals.

I have a closet full of clothes because I am a hoarder and my wife is a shopper. She loves and lives it. For her it is the thrill of the hunt, the search for that great deal on something worthwhile, the patient waiting for the price reduction before she pounces and purchases. Other than at RenFair, I don’t think she has ever paid full price for anything in her life.

I cannot remember the last time I saw an article of clothing in a store that I wanted/bought (other than my hiking boots) myself.

For me simplicity is the answer. I wear the same type of clothing all week and the pants have to be jeans or neutral enough to match whatever shirt is next in line on the closet rod because I am not going to go looking for one.
On the weekends it is whatever goes. If the match is horrendous enough my wife will let me know and hand me a different shirt that she think is more appropriate for civilized society.
Dressing up, I have several suits in various colors. They are all worn with white shirts, black socks and shoes and if required a tie that adds the splash of color. I have been trained not to wear the brightly colored ones to funerals but other than that I pick the one that strikes my fancy at the moment.

Thank you all for your responses. Let’s continue to put our pants on one leg at a time!

My wardrobe is mostly bohemian classy gypsy skirts and various accessories like scarves,shawls and jackets that can be either dressed up or down. I dress the same every day, dressed up or down accordingly. Summer sandals ranging from cute, dressy, strappy types to river sandals and in winter boots. Durangos to Uggs to cowboy boots.

I don’t do “shoes.” lol
Yesterday I wore a dark blue, lace skirt, a white tee top with blue and red designs, slip on strappy sandals and my signature pigtails, done up with beaded bracelets as ties, a beaded necklace and danglely earrings with blue stones and a dark blue headband.
I am a creative dresser and my style fits me perfectly, customized to reflect my creative personality style. I’m an original type, and can’t stand following any popular protocol.

My favorite shop is an awesome little boutique in my town called ” The barefoot Empress”, she carries beautiful gypsy skirts and belly dancing attire along with an eclectic blend of all sorts of beautiful and unique jewelry, purses, lingerie and other bohemian decor.
I have been shopping at this store for over 10 years and the owner also offers alterations for a great price. She makes costumes as well as many custom dresses and belly dancing costumes. I am officially known there as ” skirt slut!” lol

It sounds like your clothes are an integral part of your “sluttiness,” Coloma! I gotta lurve that! My clothing style is very much a reflection of my personality too.

@picante Hey, I’m not your average slut! lol

As long as I am covered, I don’t really care that much about it.

It’s so complicated; we’re in couples’ therapy now.

I’m happy to see you’re not skirting the issues, Gailcalled.

Nice thread, some good material here.

I have a TON of clothes. However, they’re mostly for work and since I haven’t gained or lost excessive amounts of weight in my life, I’ve been collecting them since 1990.

I just go through the rotation, picking my pants first (the next pair in the pile, as a rule), the next shirt in my series that won’t exactly match the pants or clash, socks to match the pants, and I’m good to go.

My clothes are pretty well coordinated by colors and classic style. I use a palette that complements the colors so that many things go together. A jacket may have 5 tops that go with it. Add 3 colors of slacks and I have a lot of outfits. Then they are organized by purpose: dressy; formal business; travel; casual but nice; and knock about. I don’t like to think about clothes or shop, nor do I follow fashion trends, so I’ve tried to make it easy on myself. Works for me.

I nearly always wear elastic waist slacks and cotton t-shirts. Most of my clothes come from the charity stores, and are either unsold store merchandise or used donations. I have several t-shirts that were given out at charity events or by vendors at my husbands’ work.

I don’t wear shoes unless I go out to a store. I have three pair, one canvas for driving, one leather moccasin, and one pair of boots for rainy days.

It’s a necessity to protect me from the elements and to protect the eyes of others.

I have no relationship to my clothes.

I wear them out of necessity.

I choose and wear clothes that are comfortable, practical and well made. I have no need to be concerned about fashion for cloth garments to cover my body to keep myself warm and comfortable and to spare others the discomfort of interacting with me while I am naked.

I do however appreciate when others are dressed well and look confident and attractive. My daughter, the singer-songwriter dresses beautifully on stage. My sons look handsome and professional when they dress up for social or professional occasions.